Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer: Build your own portable Pi-to-Go


Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer to go

Aw, yes, the Raspberry Pi Computer, a credit card size mini PC that only cost $35. There are so many possibilities and uses for these small nano PCs. People have made them into PVRs (personal video recorders), retro gaming machines, weather stations, in-car PCs, jukeboxes, and so many more creative ideas. When I started this project four weeks ago, I just wanted to see if it was possible to make an ultra portable, mobile Raspberry Pi that you can take to-go. As I was building my Pi-to-Go I kept saying to myself, it would be cool if it had this, and then I would find a way to make it happen.


My mobile Raspberry Pi Computer is now complete and because this is an open source project I wanted to show you everything, including how to build one yourself. I will even provide links to the parts I needed to purchase and the 3D printer STL files to print your own case. So here we go!


Just a quick blurb about myself. I am the founder and CEO of Parts-People.com, Inc. which specializes exclusively in Dell Laptops; and specifically Dell replacement parts, Dell laptop repair, and Dell laptop refurbishing. So I have more than 10 years experience in repairing and building laptops. Okay, lets move on.

LCD Screen


The LCD I used is from an after market backup camera system that can be installed in a car. The screen is a low resolution and I hope to find a better upgrade for my next version of the mobile RPi to-go. So for this proof of concept, it works just fine. The screen is 3.5" using a 4:3 aspect ratio. It uses a composite input and is able to display a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.

Battery Pack


First off, be very careful when messing with lithium-ion batteries. Neither Parts-People.com, Inc nor I are responsible for any damages caused by this tutorial. Proceed at your own risk. Because I own a company that sells only laptop parts, it is only natural that I would use a laptop battery for this build. Laptop batteries are built in such a way that you cannot just plug something into them and use them for a battery pack. I knew it would be possible but I just needed to figure out the best way to get power out of it and how to charge it back up in the best and safest manner. I ended up using a battery for a Dell Latitude D600 laptop and just removed it from the Dell battery case. The battery was about the right size, it had the right voltage, and I had plenty of them. Those batteries have a standard Dell 9 pin battery connector. To get power out of this battery, you will need to connect pins 1,2, & 4 together for negative / ground (-) and pins 8 & 9 together for positive (+). Be sure to connect the correct leads. See picture for pin outs.

Charging the battery was easy, I just purchased an after market laptop battery charger. It connects directly to the battery's 9 pin connector and also has a battery level indicator built-in.

Internal Powered Hub


One major problem with the Raspberry Pi is a lack of power. The RPi is powered by a micro USB 5v with at least 750ma, 1A is better. But the problem is not there, it is that the USB port can only supply in the neighborhood of 120ma per port, which is not enough to run much. So I found a super small 7 port USB hub that is powered and took it apart. I needed to power 5 things: a wireless WiFi dongle, a bluetooth dongle, an SSD hard drive, a keyboard/mouse transmitter, and the Raspberry Pi itself. The power from the battery pack is 11.1 volts and the power required for the USB hub was 5 volts. What I did was connect the battery to the LCD screen which had an input of 9v-13v, and I knew that the LCD screen would have some components that would require a 5v power source (LED LCD back light for example). All I had to do was find the onboard voltage regulator and solder on leads across the 5v capacitor and solder those to the 5v input on the powered USB hub. Easy as Pi. Now we have clean regulated power for all of our devices.


Extended Storage


64GB SSD, yes I did! I wanted to add a linux swap partition because of the lack of RAM. The Raspberry Pi itself has 256MB (model B version 1) or 512MB (model B version 2). If I simply just installed a larger SD card and added a large swap file, or swap partition, I would eventually burn out the SD card. SD cards have a very limited number of read/writes and SD cards are slow. I opted for a 64GB Sata II solid state hard drive made by Samsung (model # MMBRE64GHDXP) and again I have a bunch of those in stock so it was convenient. I used an external USB hard drive caddy's circuit board to connect the SSD sata HDD directly to the internal power USB hub. I setup a 1GB (1,024 MB) Linux swap partition, and have the rest formatted in ext4 for extended storage.

Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth


I wanted to build in as many features as possible, so I got a nano USB WiFi dongle and a nano USB bluetooth dongle to install inside the mobile Pi. These are also soldered directly to the built-in powered USB hub.

Operating System


I'm using stock Raspbian Linux downloaded from raspberrypi.org. The only tweaks I made were to the config.txt file and added the Linux 1GB swap partition. I modified the config.txt file to make the LCD screen display properly and fill the whole screen.

config.txt changes
overscan_left=8
overscan_right=-40
overscan_top=-30
overscan_bottom=-30
sdtv_mode=2

Keyboard & Touchpad Mouse


I purchased a wireless 2.4Ghz USB keyboard & mouse combo. I would have preferred a wired USB but this one was the right size and price. The keyboard slides in and out via the access door on the left side of the machine. The access door also exposes the on/off switch and mini USB charge port for the keyboard too.

Overall Specs


The Raspberry Pi board I am using is a model B (revision 1) but you can use the model B (version 2) for this build.
CPUBroadcom BCM2835 ARM11 700Mhz
Memory256MB (shared with GPU)
Main Storage4GB SD Card (OS Installed)
Extended Storage64GB Sata II SSD (1GB linux swap)
WiFi WirelessBuilt-in B/G/N Card
BluetoothBuilt-in Bluetooth 3.0
Peripherals1 Powered USB Port
Video OutputHDMI Port
Keyboard / MouseQWERTY Keyboard with Touchpad Mouse
Weight1.65 lbs.

3D Printed Case


Using Google sketchup, my 3D printer, and a little creativity I was able to create a case for this mobile Pi to-go. There are five parts to the case and I have made all five parts available for download from thingiverse.com.
Download Pi-to-Go 3D files (STL) Here
Everything is made to snap together except the back access door is held on by four screws. The back of the case has a Raspberry Pi logo cut into it and it is illuminated when the device is powered on. I used a back lighting LED and the acrylic strip from the back of a backlit laptop keyboard. I cut it to the shape to fit just behind the RPi logo and soldered leads that connect to 5v power. This was not needed but I thought it was a nice touch.




 

Where to buy the parts


As promised I will provide links to purchase all parts needed and I have already provided the links to download the 3D printer files (STL) above.

  • LCD Screen - bought on amazon for $17.95 - here

  • Raspberry Pi - bought on Newark/Element14 for $35 - here

  • Mini Keyboard/Mouse - bought on amazon for $29.95 - here

  • Standalone Battery Charger- bought on amazon for $75.00 - here

  • Powered 7 Port USB Hub - bought on Parts-People.com for $14.95 - here

  • 64GB SSD Hard Drive - bought on Parts-People.com for $69.95 - here

  • Dell D600 Battery - bought on Parts-People.com for $88.50 - here


Schematic


Here is a schematic to show how everything is wired together. mobile-rpi-togo-opened-
Please share this build and if you have any questions or need help, please comment.



More Pictures



Topics: Technology News Gadgets & Peripherals Inventions & Innovations Mini / Nano PCs Raspberry Pi

Join the conversation!

440 Responses to Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer: Build your own portable Pi-to-Go

  1. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | The Worlds Tech Blog

  2. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case « Whats-Hots.com | What Hots News and Trends in The World Whats-Hots.com | What Hots News and Trends in The World

  3. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | BeachTechnology

  4. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case ← techtings

  5. Pingback: | Got2.Me

  6. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | allcom.se

  7. Pingback: Coax Interactive Media Services » Interactive Media Solutions & Services Partner » Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case

  8. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | My Daily Feeds

  9. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case « VidenOmkring

  10. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case » Developages - Development and Technology Blog

  11. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case - Andys Roms

  12. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Varsity Team

  13. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Project Konnect

  14. Pingback: Raspberry Pi-To-Go DIY Laptop | Ubergizmo | Up to the hour news

  15. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | tekifeed.com – Gadget Feeds, Gadget News and more!

  16. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Review Tech, Social Media, Gadget Tips and Guide

  17. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | eMagility :: defining mobile agility

  18. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Daily News! Blogger International

  19. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Google Android news and more!

  20. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Dont worry , be horny!

  21. Pingback: – Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case

  22. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Tech & Comms News

  23. Pingback: Raspberry Pi | Pearltrees

  24. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: un Raspberry Pi con pantalla y teclado integrados en una caja creada por una impresora en 3D | www.cyanogenmod.info

  25. Pingback: faluu.com » Blog Archive » Pi-to-Go: un Raspberry Pi con pantalla y teclado integrados en una caja creada por una impresora en 3D

  26. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case

  27. Pingback: Pi-to-Go : un Raspberry Pi portable à l’aide de l’impression 3D Montserrat Agence de Communication

  28. Pingback: Para os proprietários do micro computador Raspberry Pi | PCGuia

  29. Pingback: Pi-to-Go ทำให้ Raspberry Pi ใช้งานแบบพกพาได้ง่ายขึ้น | Raspberry Pi Thailand

  30. Pingback: Geek | Pearltrees

  31. Pingback: Turning a Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux notebook - Liliputing

  32. Pingback: Laptop Repair Specialist creates Unique Raspberry Pi Mini-Laptop - Mobile Magazine

  33. Pingback: Laptop Repair Specialist creates Unique Raspberry Pi Mini-Laptop | Mobile Apps Now

  34. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | SP1RACY - All things tech & more

  35. Pingback: Raspberry Pi laptop is just a little too big for a pocket

  36. Pingback: Today’s Links December 21, 2012

  37. Pingback: MAKE | With this Hack, Take Your Raspberry Pi To Go

  38. Pingback: – Raspberry Pi laptop is just a little too big for a pocket

  39. Pingback: With this Hack, Take Your Raspberry Pi To Go

  40. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Watch Free Movies Online Now

  41. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop « Breaking News « Theory Report

  42. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop – PCWorld

  43. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop | SnaggStuff.com Blog

  44. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop | NEWS ONLINE

  45. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop | DesiP2P.com

  46. Pingback: Turn your Raspberry Pi into a tiny Linux laptop | TabletPCTrend.com

  47. Pingback: Mods: da Raspberry Pi a mini notebook - Netbook News

  48. Pingback: Le Pi-To-Go, un projet open source de Raspeberry Pi mobile | Le blog de Yohann CIURLIK | Spawnrider.Net :: Blog

  49. Pingback: Build your own mobile Pi-to-go | Nice Messages

  50. Pingback: Odd Lots – Jeff Duntemann's Contrapositive Diary

  51. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Odd Bizarre News

  52. Pingback: Pratyush Delicious links for December 24, 2012 | Pratyush Kotturu - KE5YQZ

  53. Pingback: Mobile Raspberry PI computer (Pi-to-Go) | GeekBoy.it

  54. Pingback: Mobilní Raspberry Pi - Sestavte si vlastní přenosný Pi-to-Go počítač

  55. Pingback: DIY 玩家利用 3D 打印机造出基于 Raspberry Pi、配有屏幕和键盘的 Pi-to-Go 便携式电脑 « 关注IT界革新动态

  56. Pingback: Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer #piday #raspberrypi @Raspberry_Pi | 공PCB닷컴

  57. Pingback: DIY 玩家利用 3D 打印机造出基于 Raspberry Pi、配有屏幕和键盘的 Pi-to-Go 便携式电脑 | 云动态

  58. Pingback: Mobile Raspberry Pi « Memory Core

  59. Pingback: Raspberry Pi Goes Mobile With This Mod | TechMASH

  60. Pingback: Portable 3D printed Raspberry Pi-to-Go computer | Damn Geeky - The geek's guide to awesomeness

  61. Pingback: » Build Your Own Pocket-Sized Computer with a Raspberry Pi / UniBlogg

  62. Pingback: DIY 玩家利用 3D 打印机造出基于 Raspberry Pi、配有屏幕和键盘的 Pi-to-Go 便携式电脑 - IT

  63. Pingback: Build Your Own Pocket-Sized Computer With A Raspberry Pi | Lifehacker Australia

  64. Pingback: DIY 玩家利用 3D 打印机造出基于 Raspberry Pi、配有屏幕和键盘的 Pi-to-Go 便携式电脑

  65. Pingback: Build Your Own Pocket-Sized Computer with a Raspberry Pi | AhipCup

  66. Pingback: 手作り感あふれる「Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer」かっけえ | ソフトアンテナブログ

  67. Pingback: Pi-to-Go Turns The Raspberry Pi Into A Mobile Computer

  68. Pingback: The Pi inspiration | Muratech

  69. Pingback: Мобильный Raspberry Pi | NEWS.ptaah.org.ua

  70. Pingback: ミニPC「Pi-to-Go」から感じる近未来!3Dプリンタで、パソコンを印刷する時代も近い!? | Social Design News【ソーシャル・デザイン 公式サイト】

  71. Pingback: Raspberry Pi hecha mini notebook con Linux | PoderPDA

  72. Pingback: Build Your Own Pocket-Sized Computer with a Raspberry Pi « My Web PC Tech

  73. Pingback: Pi-To-Go: World's First Ultra Small Raspberry Pi Laptop Tutorial

  74. Pingback: Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer: Build your own portable Pi-to-Go « MitzChauhan

  75. Pingback: Build A Portable Raspberry Pi Handheld Computer « openalia

  76. Pingback: DIY Raspberry Pi 手提電腦 | UNWIRE.HK 流動科技生活

  77. Pingback: Créer un ordinateur portable avec un Raspberry Pi | {niKo[piK]}

  78. Pingback: Pinguins Móveis – Mk802 x Raspberry PI

  79. Pingback: Friday quick links - New Startups

  80. Pingback: Raspberry Pi « Sala TIC

  81. Pingback: UnPocoGeek.com | Una mini notebook con una Raspberry Pi

  82. Pingback: The laptop can do it yourself! The Majin modified mini-PC Raspberry Pi DIY small laptop to see you | Android News

  83. Pingback: Raspberry Pi w wersji Mobile | Arduino

  84. Pingback: Raspberry Pi w wersji Mobile ... | Elektronika, krótkofalarstwo, modelarstwo itp....

  85. Pingback: 筆電也能自己做!魔人改裝迷你電腦 Raspberry Pi,DIY 小筆電給你看 - 品谷

  86. Pingback: Pi-to-Go : un Raspberry Pi portable à l’aide de l’impression 3D | Univers jeunesse

  87. Pingback: Hardware: Raspberry Pi-to-go | Andys Blog – Linux, Mac, Windows

  88. Pingback: ScanBox mit Raspberry Pi

  89. Pingback: fortschrittsbalken » Mobile Raspberry Pi Computer: Build your own portable Pi-to-Go « Technology News & DIY Tutorials

  90. Pingback: Mini-Rechner Raspberry Pi: Bastel-PC lässt Elche reden | Konrad Lischka

  91. Pingback: HR19 – Flauschmafia | Hard-Reset – der Technik-Podcast

  92. Pingback: DIY Gadget – Episode 1 | Xa das 5

  93. Pingback: La Revue de Presse OMD du 7 Janvier 2013 |

  94. Pingback: Pi-to-Go: a Raspberry Pi, screen and keyboard stuffed into a 3D-printed case | Gadget Smartphones

  95. Pingback: Les liens sur le raspberry Pi | Syris.fr

  96. Pingback: 2013: The Year of the 3D Printer

  97. Pingback: Ten More Awesome Projects for Your Raspberry Pi | BARRIE JAMES

  98. Pingback: What is Raspberry Pi?

  99. Pingback: Raspberry Pi Rising: 7 Incredible Projects People Are Making With The Single … « Make Fresh Beats

  100. Pingback: 6 proyectos que puedes hacer con la Raspberry Pi | SmallVille

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.